It was a surprise to see Chelsea announce the signing of yet another goalkeeper in July. Hannah Hampton’s arrival upon the expiry of her Aston Villa contract means Chelsea have five goalkeepers on their books.
The opportunity for Chelsea to sign England’s third-choice goalkeeper was too good a moment to miss. The Women’s Super League (WSL) title holders, fully aware of Hampton’s talent, had been keeping tabs on the 22-year-old. Upon signing, manager Emma Hayes described her as “one of the best young goalkeepers in the world” but no confirmation was given as to where she would be playing her football this season.
Hampton joined Hayes’ current first choice, German international Ann-Katrin Berger, Sweden’s World Cup star Zecira Musovic, Belgium international Nicky Evrard and 20-year-old Emily Orman (on loan to Women’s Championship side Reading, while also signing a new deal with Chelsea until 2025). Hampton, who is yet to have a Chelsea shirt number, always knew being loaned out was a possibility and was happy to take that risk given Chelsea’s dominance on the domestic and international stage.
Hampton signed for Chelsea in July on a free transfer (Photo: Clive Howes – Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
But Chelsea have opted to loan 28-year-old Evrard…
